Podcasts about women in food

Since stepping down from the “day to day” of running Mendocino Farms, a premium fast-casual gourmet sandwich and salad concept that she co-founded in 2005, Ellen Chen has focused her time, energy, and passion on investing in female and minority-founded businesses. Ellen is leveraging her twenty years of experience growing food brands to help early-stage founders understand their purpose, operationalize their values, secure the necessary resources, and hopefully avoid some of the mistakes she made. In 2015, Nation's Restaurant News included her on their annual Power List, and in 2020, Nation's Restaurant News named her the 50 most influential women in food service. She sits on the Boards of Directors of Mendocino Farms, Sugared + Bronzed, and HomeState, as well as an Advisor to Curbit, Womaness, Kirra, and Vibrant Funds. Ellen strongly believes in giving back to her community. She serves as a Board Member of Teach AAPI and AAPI LA, an initiative launched by the Mayor's office in Los Angeles. In today's episode, Nada sits down with Ellen to discuss the success of “Mendo” and their 75 locations. Ellen explains how her vision of creating a team culture served as the foundation on which she and her husband, Mario, built their thriving business. They discuss the challenges of managing busy schedules and the strategic decisions she made as a working mother. Ellen also shares some of the challenges she faced by not having the type of support she needed and now offers to female founders. To find out more about Mendocino Farms, check out their ⁠website⁠. Follow on Instagram: ⁠@ell.c.chen⁠. Please follow us at ⁠@thisislibertyroad⁠ on Instagram; we want to share and connect with you and hear your thoughts and comments. Please rate and review this podcast. It helps to know if these conversations inspire and equip you to consider your possibilities and lean into your future with intention. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 15, 2025 - There are many Korean American voices within food media nowadays, and many more women on editorial mastheads. But, what is it like to navigate this system of reporting and contributing to food culture as a Korean-American woman? What are the challenges, and what difference do they make in the industry? Chef and writer Caroline Choe sits down with three women with longstanding careers in the food editorial and media landscape–Christina Chaey, Myo Quinn, and Caroline Shin–to discuss the importance of diverse voices in food media, sharing their own experiences in their work, and what they hope will be the best way forward to allow for more voices and stories to be heard. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/arts-culture/item/1990-women-in-food-media

Get ready for a flavorful episode as Counsel Brew sits down with the incredible woman behind Asian Mint, Chef Nikky Phinyawatana! A Thai Texan with a passion for bold flavors, meaningful connections, and entrepreneurial grit, Nikky shares her journey from Bangkok to Boston to Dallas, carving out a space as one of DFW's most beloved restaurateurs.Nikky's journey to badassery wasn't just about perfecting the perfect Pad Thai—it was about resilience, vision, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of food to bring people together. Born and raised in Bangkok, she grew up surrounded by vibrant flavors, family recipes, and the hustle of a city that never sleeps. Her love for food and business led her to Babson College, where she studied entrepreneurship and marketing before taking a leap into the culinary world. But the real test came when she turned a dream into reality, launching Asian Mint in 2004 with a commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and a fusion of modern and traditional Thai flavors.In this episode, we dish on:The fusion of culture, food, and entrepreneurship that shaped Chef Nikky's culinary empireHer early days in Bangkok and the moment she knew she was destined for the kitchenThe grit, challenges, and game-changing moments that built her into the entrepreneur she is todayThe art of building a restaurant family and the lessons learned from years in the industryTravel, mentorship, and the power of food to create unforgettable experiencesAnd of course—her favorite brew! Chef Nikky spills the tea on the comforting drinks that fuel her creativity and bring her back to her roots.From her award-winning cookbook to her signature sauces to her commitment to mentorship, Chef Nikky isn't just serving up incredible dishes—she's creating a movement. As the president of Les Dames d'Escoffier International and a leader in the Texas restaurant scene, she's paving the way for the next generation of badass women in food and business.Order some Asian Mint and tune in for a conversation filled with inspiration, laughter, and a few delicious surprises along the way!Press play and join the feast!Find Chef Nikky at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefnikky/ @chefnikkyofficial Learn more about Asian Mint at https://asianmint.com/ and follow  https://www.instagram.com/asianmint/Pick up a copy of her book Thai Food and Travel With Chef Nikky: Easy Thai Recipes to Feed Your Soul at her restaurants or on AmazonMessage us at hello@counselbrew.com  Visit us at http://www.counselbrew.com And Follow follow us @counselbrew@counselbrew.bsky.social  https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-brew/Counsel Brew | Dallas TX | FacebookSend us a text Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

Stephanie Jaeger is the President of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) and a veteran of the restaurant industry with over 35 years of experience. She also serves as a Learning and Development Specialist for the Joey Restaurant Group, where she focuses on training and team culture.LDEI is a global philanthropic organization of women leaders in food, beverage, and hospitality. With over 2,800 members across 42 chapters worldwide, LDEI supports women through scholarships, mentorship, and networking opportunities to elevate and advance their careers.Founded in response to the exclusion of women from the all-male “Friends of Escoffier” society, LDEI has grown into a powerful network that champions leadership, education, and community. Under Stephanie's leadership, the organization is expanding its reach, including new chapters in Mexico and Italy, and launching new initiatives like the M.F.K. Fisher Symposium for Women’s Food and Storytelling.LDEI was born from a desire to give women a seat at the culinary table—where they had previously been excluded—and now supports thousands of members across the globe.Stephanie initially joined LDEI over 20 years ago and, inspired by mentorship and a desire to represent a global voice, rose through the ranks to become its international president.“You have to see it to be it”—Stephanie emphasized the importance of visibility and representation for women in leadership across hospitality and culinary fields.Mentorship is central to LDEI's mission; the organization provides not just scholarships, but ongoing personal support to help women succeed in their careers.While representation at the top is critical, Stephanie believes respect and equality must also be reinforced in everyday kitchen culture and among mid-level staff.LDEI's upcoming M.F.K. Fisher Symposium will spotlight women in food media and storytelling, creating a space for inspiration, connection, and collaboration.Stephanie’s work at Joey Restaurant Group complements her LDEI leadership, allowing her to show women within the organization that there's always a next step in their careers.Despite growth, barriers like unconscious bias and lack of access to education persist in the industry, making LDEI's mission more relevant than ever. QUOTES “I either needed to step up or step aside. So here I am stepping up and excited about it.” (Stephanie)“You have to see it to be it. You have to see somebody in that position, and I would encourage anybody in the industry to put a woman in that leadership position so that somebody younger can see themselves there too.” (Stephanie)“Every time I see a woman in the industry, she’s breaking a barrier. She’s showing that it’s possible. She’s showing me that I can do it too. And every time I see a woman on the Food Network or read about one taking on a leadership role, it's one more reminder that we belong.” (Stephanie)“We need to make sure that women are not only in the kitchen, but treated with respect and equals. It’s not just about being there—it’s about being seen, being supported, and being recognized as just as capable.” (Stephanie)“Mentorship is the ability to talk about your experiences in a positive way—not in a ‘you'll never get there’ way, but ‘look what I've done, and you can too.’ It's not about gatekeeping—it's about opening doors and saying, ‘Come on in, let me show you how I did it.'” (Stephanie)“Asking for help really can come down to just saying, ‘Is this a crazy idea?’ And sometimes you just need someone—man or woman—to say, ‘You’re not crazy’ or ‘Maybe you should rethink that.’ It's about having someone to bounce things off of, someone who listens and understands.” (Stephanie)“I want to raise more money to support more women. I want to get the LDEI name out there more, increase our membership, and reach more women who could benefit from being part of this network. There are so many who just need the opportunity.” (Stephanie)“The restaurant industry really should be fun. Maybe don't take yourself too seriously. You have to be able to smile, to enjoy what you’re doing. And at Joey, we focus on working as a team. That's what creates a cohesive, engaging environment.” (Stephanie)“There is a place for you if you want to keep going up the ladder. And I think because of my own mentors and experiences with LDEI, I'm able to show that to the women I work with every day. Whether they're servers or line cooks, I want them to see that there's a next step.” (Stephanie)

March 6, 2025 - As the food and hospitality industry continues to evolve and grow, the Asian faces in it have also become more visible. Despite the progress, there are still long-standing obstacles that women face both in and out of kitchen and business culture. Meet Korean-American women running their own successful food and hospitality business and contributing their perspective and approaches to proactively change the industry. In this conversation, chef and writer Caroline Choe speaks with 4 brand and establishment owners and proprietors based in the NYC / NJ area on their experiences: Hannah Bae of Noona's Ice Cream, Julia Choi-Rodriguez of Vesta Chocolate, Alice Jun of Hana Makgeolli, Jee Kim of 8282. Also joining will be hospitality lawyer Vivian Chen, who represents many businesses and brands throughout New York City. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/arts-culture/item/1968-women-in-food-business

In this special International Women's Day episode of Uncovering Authentic Italian Food, we celebrate the incredible impact of Italian women on cuisine. From the nonne and mamme who have preserved regional traditions to the pioneering chefs and entrepreneurs redefining Italian gastronomy, their influence is undeniable. We explore the stories of remarkable women who shaped Italy's culinary heritage, highlighting their roles in home kitchens, restaurants, and the broader food industry.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Federated Farmers Taranaki President Leedom Gibbs about the drought in the province, the dire situation facing many farmers and how they can access help... He talks with Open Farms founder Daniel Eb about its upcoming Open Farms day (Sunday March 9), which farms are taking part and the purpose of the open days... And he talks to Reefton Distilling Co. CEO Patsy Bass about winning gold at the World Whiskies Awards, the recent DramFest event and Patsy's inclusion as one of the top 50 Women in Food & Drink NZ. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Dom talks with Reefton Distilling Co. CEO Patsy Bass about winning gold at the World Whiskies Awards, the recent DramFest event and Patsy's inclusion as one of the top 50 Women in Food & Drink NZ. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

In this episode of Don't Eat Poop!, our hosts Matt and Francine are joined by Kim Carlton, the Retail Food Program Manager at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, straight from the 2024 FDA Retail Food Seminar & IEHA Annual Education Conference.As you probably know by now, with federalism in the US, the federal government, the states, the counties, and the municipalities all have their own way of doing things when it comes to food safety. Today, Kim explains how the state of Minnesota keeps their citizens safe from foodborne illnesses.She also shares some of her best and most unbelievable stories from the time she was an environmental health inspector.In this episode:

 Today on "Oh For Food's Sake," we welcome Nicky Foster to explore the complexities of confidence and leadership challenges in the food industry. Confidence, often hampered by imposter syndrome and self-doubt, can be nurtured through small, consistent actions that build competence and self-belief. Our discussion highlights the impact of gender socialisation, where societal expectations differ for girls and boys, often creating a bias when women appear more confident and assertive.Nicky shares her experiences from her retail career, including the trials of advocating for flexible working as a new parent and the profound personal growth following redundancy. She uses powerful analogies to illustrate her goal of helping women achieve success more easily. Nicky emphasises authenticity in leadership, challenging the outdated notion that women must emulate male behaviours to succeed.We also tackle the topic of maternity leave, discussing the loss of confidence, the physical and mental toll of childbirth, and the importance of recovery and support systems. Nicky and Amy stress the need for women to lean into their true selves, to set boundaries, and to ask for help — especially crucial when returning to work after maternity leave.The conversation highlights the value of women supporting women, sharing successes and challenges, and fostering a strong, supportive network. Nicky ends the discussion by introducing her new program aimed at building clarity, confidence, and community among women leaders, Fearless Women: Empowered to Rise.The Fearless Women's Programme is a comprehensive journey designed to tackle the unique challenges women face in professional roles. Do you find yourself holding back in meetings? Struggling to build your network? Or feeling like you have to prove yourself twice as hard to be taken seriously? You're not alone, and this programme is here to change that.Whether you're battling self-doubt, feeling stuck, or just searching for a clearer sense of direction, this programme will guide you to unlock the confidence, clarity, and connections you need to move forward.You can join the waiting list for this programme and register for a live webinar on the 24th January by clicking on the links in the Links & Resources section. Timestamps[00:02:30] Introduction to Nicky Foster and her journey in the food retail industry.[00:05:15] The recurring challenge of confidence and imposter syndrome.[00:08:40] Gender socialisation and societal pressure on women.[00:12:10] Nicky's personal career stories and lessons learned.[00:18:00] The importance of authenticity in leadership.[00:21:45] Challenges faced by women returning from maternity leave.[00:25:30] The significance of a supportive network and women's tribes.[00:29:50] Building confidence through actionable steps and self-reflection.[00:34:00] Introduction to Nicky's new confidence-building program.[00:38:15] Upcoming events and closing thoughts.Links and Resources:Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/ohforfoodsakeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.Fearless Women Programme Wait List https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/fearlesswomenFearless Women Webinar Registration https://foodies.fearlessfoodies.co.uk/webinarOh For Food's Sake is sponsored by Microsearch Laboratories: https://micro-search.co.uk/ See you next time!

Join host Gene Cunningham and guest Elzandi Oosthuizen, Senior VP and Head of Corn Product Team at Bayer as they discuss Elzandi's path to Bayer and keeping the world's farmers connected in an everchanging field.   This conversation is an excerpt from the 2024 Bayer International Business Conference that took place on December 4, 2024, at Saint Louis University.Elzandi Oosthuizen is part of the global strategy leadership team at Bayer's Crop Science division where she leads the enterprise corn product team. She has held various global and regional leadership roles across the company's Seed & Traits, Crop Protection and Vegetable operations and lived and worked in several countries. Prior to her current role, she was part of the R&D leadership team leaning the crop technology team focusing on corn, soy and cotton crops. Before working in the corporate setting, she taught post graduate mathematics, and high school science and math for six years. She regularly advocates for S.T.E.M. education and is passionate about inspiring and developing people. Elzandi is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion, as well as helping empower women.  She demonstrates this passion through her involvement in several initiatives over the past decade. She was a recipient of the 2024 Women in Agribusiness Demeter Award of Excellence, she was also an advisory board member for the 2019 Women in Food and Agriculture event and was named an Eisenhower Fellow for the Zhi-Xing 2017 program.Elzandi holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science and Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science Honors in Genetics from the University of Pretoria. She also holds a Master of Science in Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding from University of the Free State and an MBA from North-West University in South Africa.View Guest, Elzandi Oosthuizen's LinkedIn

In this episode, Melody Ge shares her career journey from R&D director to advocating for food safety and the founding of Women in Food Safety, a community aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry while supporting female leadership. Highlighting the soft skills necessary for higher positions in food safety, Melody emphasizes confidence, adaptability, and continuous learning. The episode explores the challenges and opportunities within the food safety sector, the impact of the Women in Food Safety community, and the importance of curiosity and staying updated with evolving industry standards. Episode Highlights: 04:42 Founding Women in Food Safety 08:15 Empowering Women in Food Safety 11:24 The Importance of Soft Skills in Leadership 22:57 Adapting to Change in the Food Safety Industry Melody Ge is the Sr. Director of Operations Quality at TreeHouse Foods Inc., driving a culture of safety and quality across manufacturing facilities. With 15+ years of expertise in food safety, quality, and social responsibility, she has held key roles with GFSI CPOs, retailers, manufacturers, and testing labs. A Six-Sigma Black Belt, PCQI Lead Instructor, and SQF Trainer, Melody’s leadership spans StarKist, Neogen Analytics, Lidl US, SQFI, and Beyond Meat. She holds an M.S. and B.S. in Food Science and Engineering and certification in Data Science, blending technical expertise with innovative solutions to champion smarter food safety practices. Connect with Melody: Company Website: www.womeninfoods.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-ge-54116717/ For more insights: Book a call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs Follow me on my YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn Sign up for my Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3T09kVc See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are saluting two women who have brought their unique talents to North Dakota's food and drink scene. I will introduce you to Elena Silvestru Martinez, an immigrant from Moldova who has turned her passion for cooking into teaching kids kitchen skills. And, hear from Susan Ruud, President and Mead Maker at Prairie Rose Meadery.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Eat Your Heartland Out by becoming a member!Eat Your Heartland Out is Powered by Simplecast.

Empowering Women in AgriFood Tech: A Conversation with Amy Wu of From Farms to Incubators - In this episode of the Leading Voices in Food podcast, host Norbert Wilson speaks with Amy Wu, the creator and content director of From Farms to Incubators. Amy shares her inspiring journey in highlighting and supporting women, particularly women of color, in the agri-food tech industry. Learn about the origins of her groundbreaking documentary and book, her vision for a vibrant community of women innovators, and the crucial role of education, mentorship, and policy in advancing women's roles in this sector. Interview Summary I have a great set of questions for you. So, the first thing, could you just tell our listeners a little bit more about From Farms to Incubators? Sure. From Farms to Incubators is a special initiative and project that tells the stories of women in this fast-growing field known as ag tech, sometimes interchangeably used as Agri food tech as well. The mission of it is really to get more women involved in ag tech through storytelling, through resources, and also through education and training. I also would describe it as a multimedia content platform. I actually came to this as a journalist and as a storyteller that uses storytelling to amplify the voices of women leaders and entrepreneurs in this field. It's also a documentary and a book and also a website where we archive their stories and their biographies as well. Thanks for that overview, and you just talked about the book and the documentary From Farms to Incubators: women innovators revolutionizing how our food is grown, which uses storytelling to highlight women innovators and how women innovators in the Agri food tech are doing their best. But there's also a movement and the community and this multimedia platform. Why did you expand from the book and documentary into this larger network? That's a really good question. Briefly, as some context, I kind of fell into this project. It was a bit of serendipity. I was a reporter in Salinas, California, which is the vegetable salad bowl of the world. Ag is a huge industry, a 10 billion industry. And I was covering government and agriculture. And I observed that there were not a lot of women at the helm of the table, whether it be at farms or also in this growing field of ag tech as well. So it started off as a documentary. I got a grant from the International Center for Journalists, and then ultimately I got another grant from the International Media Women's Foundation to do a short documentary to profile three women who are entrepreneurs in ag tech. It was great. It was at the time in 2016, which now was ages ago, I guess. It was really hard to find women in ag, in this field of ag tech, women creating the innovations to tackle some of the biggest challenges that farmers are facing, especially under climate change. So, it could have ended there because the documentary turned out to be very, very well received. It's screened at hundreds of places, and I would have panels and discussions and the women would look at each other like, 'my gosh, I didn't know there were other women doing this too. Can you connect us? We'd love to convene further.' And then educators, community leaders, agribusinesses, investors just didn't know they existed as well. So, what happened was the stories kind of multiplied and multiplied as the more that I collected them. And then I decided to put it into a book profiling about 30 women in this growing field. And to answer your question, Norbert, why is it continuing is that I saw a real need for women to have a community, women in agriculture and innovation and food systems to have a community to connect with one another, to potentially build friendship, build collaboration, build partnership, creating a collective vision sometimes and a place for them. I didn't plan on it. So, I guess the storytelling connects them. We've also have resources like a database that connects them and the goal is really so that they can have a community where they can build more. They can either build out their own startups. They can build their careers, build their professions. And then it kind of grew more legs. Now we're also extending into the area of education and training to try to get younger women, young people, youth. To see that agriculture, hey, may not be traditionally sexy. I mean, tractors and overalls are still what a lot of people think about it, but there are so many other opportunities in the food system for young people as well, especially since we all have to eat. So, how are farmers going to be producing the food for 10 billion people in 2050, right? Who's going to produce the food? How are we going to do it? Especially under the auspices of climate change, the weather's getting crazier and crazier. That's sort of why it has expanded from the stories all the way to what it is today. This is a great story and I would love to hear a little bit more about some of the women and their innovations. And if I may, I would like for you to actually even explain a little bit about what you mean by the ag food tech or Agri food tech as you're talking about these women. Broadly defined, is any kind of innovation that makes it easier, frankly, for farmers to do their work, to grow more efficiently, and to also increase [00:06:00] their yield. I can give some examples of what innovation is. Blockchain addresses food safety, really. It traces everything from the seed to all the way on the shelf, right? So if there's any safety issues, it's used to trace back, where did that seed come from? Where was it grown? What field was it in? And that really helps everybody in the food systems a lot more, right? We have sensors connected with drones. I forgot to mention robotics as well, which is a fast-growing area of ag tech. Everything from self-driving tractors to laser scarecrows to another level of robots that are picking specific kinds of fruits and vegetables that's tackling labor challenges. I don't foresee that ag tech necessarily is a replacement by the way of people. It's actually offering more opportunities because we need people who are very knowledgeable that kind of innovation. And then you also asked a bit about the stories of the women in ag tech, for example, in the film and in the book and so forth. Soil sampling is a fast-growing area of ag tech. There's the story that I have in the book and also in the movie of two young women who are Stanford PhD graduates. Who created a soil testing kit that makes it easy for farmers to just test their soil for diseases, for pests, and soil testing is traditionally, you know, very, very expensive for most farmers actually. Not easy for farmers to get access to it and to get the data, but the soil testing kit that they created makes it a lot easier for farmers, small farmers even, to access it. And why is that important is because the more knowledge, the more data that, and analytics that farmers can get, the more that they can make smart decisions about how much to fertilize, how much to irrigate. And that connects with the yield and their success. You know, another company that I can think about, another amazing woman. I just like her story, the story of AgTools and the story of Martha Montoya, who was actually an award-winning cartoonist. And she doesn't come from agriculture at all, and that's actually something that I want to highlight is a lot of these women are not farmers and don't come from agriculture. But she was a award winning cartoonist. I believe she was also a librarian and she fell into the food industry, and saw a need for having more data, offering more data and analytics to farmers. She created a system a little bit like a Bloomberg for farmers, where they can get real time data immediately on their phones, on their watches, so that they can get second by second data to make decisions on specific crops. Those are a couple of the stories that are in the book, but really what I want to highlight is that all of the innovation that they are creating addresses some of the biggest challenges that farmers are facing, whether it be labor issues,lack of water, some areas of our country are becoming more wet, others are becoming more dry, drones that are actually doing the irrigation now or drones taking photos to give more data to farmers as well on what is their land look like. You know, it could also be human resources related as well to manage staff. So mobile apps to manage staff on cattle farms. I mean, how big are the cattle farms sometimes, you know, 50,000 acres. So, it's really to save money and to create efficiency for farmers. If farmers are able to do their work more efficiently, they're able to generate greater profits, but it also allows for food prices not to rise. This has really big implications. Thank you for sharing those stories. And I love hearing about some of the individuals, but here's the question. I mean, why focus on women? What's important about what women contribute to this? And also, why are you also considering race as an important lens in this sector? Well, I would say, why not women? Because women have already been contributing to the global food system, whether in the production end or the decision makers at the head of the dinner table for thousands of thousands of years, arguably. So what I discovered is that their stories, their contributions, existing contributions were not being celebrated and were not being amplified. And I actually discovered that a lot of the women that I connected with were a bit shy about even telling their story and sharing it like kind of like, 'what is my contribution?' And I'm like, 'well, why aren't you sharing your story more?' So the goal of it really is to document and celebrate their contributions, but also to inspire. As I said, young women, next generation, all of us have daughters, nieces, granddaughters, you know, and then future generations to consider opportunities in a field where we need people. We need people who are smart and you don't have to be from a generation of farmers. You could be in science, engineering, technology, and math. You could just be passionate about it and you could be in the field. So that's the first aspect of it. And in terms of the lens of gender and race, there are not enough women in terms of just the startups in ag tech right now, only 2 percent of the billions of dollars being invested in ag tech startups. Only 2 percent are going into women led companies. It is very, very little. It is a problem that is deep rooted. And it starts with [00:12:00] funding. One problem is where is the funding coming from. Venture capitalists, traditional avenues of funding, where it is traditionally male dominated. So, there are many studies that show that investors will invest in companies where they connect with those who are leading the companies, right? So similar gender, similar backgrounds, similar stories. So, we're really looking to have a paradigm shift and move the needle of sorts and say that if there are more investors, there are more board members who are from a diversity backgrounds, then there will be more funding for women and those who are traditionally not leading agriculture, not in the leadership positions, not in the decision-making roles, right? There is a problem. There is a, what is a grass ceiling, not just glass ceiling, but grass ceiling. I hear you. I hear you. Now this is really fascinating. I know from colleagues who are in agriculture that there is this demand for more agricultural workers throughout the Agri food system. And if there is a demand, we're saying that our colleges that produce the potential workers aren't meeting those demands. One of the ways we can see that change is by having more women and more people of color join in. And so, this is a critical thing. And I would imagine also the experiences that people bring may be a critical part of coming up with new innovations. Diversity can do that. This is exciting that you're exploring this. I love what you're saying Norbert. I know I wanted to touch upon that about what you just noted is that it's also to create a pipeline, right? Education training is just so critical. And it makes me so happy to see that there are more and more programs at universities and colleges that are addressing programs in food systems, in agriculture, and increasingly in ag tech. So, whether it be courses or programs or certificates or eventually minors and majors, developing the pipeline of talent is really important and having mentors and mentees, which is something that now we're working on. This fall we'll have launched a menteeship program for women and for young people interested in ag tech and the first collaborator is the UC Merced in California. So, thanks for bringing that up. We have a couple of young people ready at the starting gates. Really excited. I will say just on a personal note, I was active in 4 H for most of my youth and that's the way I got involved in agriculture. So, touching or reaching out to folks in their youth is critical to get them excited and help them to make the connection so that they can do that work further. I'm glad to hear this work. In your view, what are some of the ongoing challenges and opportunities that women face in the ag tech sector or the Agri food sector? What are some of the things you're observing? Well, a continued challenge is having a place at the table, meaning at the leadership and decision-making level. And actually, as I noted earlier, the access to funding and not just the money, but the access to resources, meaning could be legal operational. Just how to get their startups or get their ideas out there. One example that I'm seeing that's again positive is that there's a growing number of incubators and accelerators specifically in food tech or ag tech that are is actually looking for candidates who are women or who are from underrepresented communities. The first thing is that they have a great innovation, of course, but the next thing that the incubators and accelerators are looking for is to have a diversity of perspectives. And to have representation, so seeing a lot more of that, whether it be. Individual accelerators, or even once at the university, right? Universities and colleges and the governmental level. The other challenge is access to farmers and connecting them with the farmers themselves. Cause farmers are very, very busy and that's highlighted and bolded. Increasingly just dealing with this chess game that's very hard to play with the weather, but also with their own resources. It's expensive being a farmer, equipment, labor. They don't often have the time, frankly, to beta test some of the innovations coming out. So how best to connect innovators with the farmers and to have them communicate with each other: like this is the innovation. This is how it's going to help your problem. Educating the farmers and allowing them to see that this is how it's going to address the problem that I have. So, the two are still kind of separate and access to each other is still, I would say, a major challenge. But right now, some of the solutions are, as I've noted, networking at conferences and convenings. Also, under the grant programs sometimes under the National Science Foundation or USDA, they are allowing more collaborative initiatives where you have educators, where you have policy, where you have the innovators, where you have the young people. Increasingly, seeing more and more of those kinds of projects and initiatives happen. So hopefully everybody will have a seat at the table and that would help women out a lot in the field as well. Awesome. Thank you for sharing those. And I love the fact that you're looking at not just identifying issues, but also trying to find ways of connecting folks to help overcome those challenges that women and women of color are facing in the marketplace. And it's the connections that are really critical. I appreciate you highlighting that. So, what is your ideal vision? Oh, one more thing I forgot to note is that in terms of connecting, there's also a database - a women in Agri food tech database, and I, and at least four or five other women in the field have been working on for at least four or five years now. We now have more than a thousand members. It's an open-source database where you can click on a form, put your name there and information takes a few minutes and then you're added to this database where the women can be connected to each other as well. So that's another resource. Yeah. And I mean, even just having peer mentors, not just mentors who are above you and they've like solved all the problems, but having people to go along with you as you're developing and as they are developing can be a critical part. I know as an academic, that's important for me and has been important for me. And I can imagine the same is true in this space as well. So, I'm so grateful to hear about this work. Yeah. What is your ideal vision for women in Agri food tech in the next, say, five years? And how will the digital network for from farms to incubators play a role in achieving that goal or those goals? So, my dream - it always starts, I think, in the dreaming phase and then connecting that with also resources along the way. But if I could wave my magic wand, I would say that. We would have a lot more women in leadership and thought decision making positions in ag tech to the point where maybe we won't even need something like From Farms to Incubators anymore because they'll be already equal. The stories will be out there. So, it might be questionable as to why we have a special subgroup or network for this now. How to get to that vision, I think is the three components of increasingly having more stories, and the women tell their stories at public outreach. You know, it could be at conferences, it could be in their own communities, sharing their story out to the community of farmers, of local government, of schools, local schools and colleges and universities, gardening clubs. The second component is education and training, building a pipeline. A vision that I have is actually having a campus. A virtual, and also in-person campus where women, especially from women in underprivileged communities will have the opportunity to have training and to be connected with mentors and the rock stars in the ag tech and Agri food tech field. Where they will also be able to have a project and initiative and test it out and have something to add to their portfolio. To have classes and people who are teaching those courses as well, ultimately. And then also to just build up a hub of resources. Like I mentioned the database. I mentioned that we'd like to extend it to having resources where folks can easily access internships, fellowships, granteeships, where they can be connected to funding. If they need help with legal, HR, just all components of everything that's needed to have a successful organization. And it doesn't have to just be their own startup. It could be a job database of where we have larger organizations and companies that are building up their own ag innovation or food innovation center as well. So that is the vision. It's a big vision. It's a big dream. So we're going to have to kind of break it down into components. But I think taking it step by step is the way to go kind of like climbing Everest or doing a long distance swim. Yes, I can see where you're trying to go in this vision and I'm interested to know what, if any role policy could play and help advance that vision. Yeah, so what role could policy play in advancing this vision? Currently, when it comes to diversity inclusion in the ag tech field or even in agriculture, there is somewhat a lack of policy in a way. But then also with individual organizations and corporations, obviously, there is the movement of diversity inclusion. But also, I think it's very much with the hiring practices with HR. I think it's up to individual organizations, whether they be small, larger ones, governmental, to look at their own hiring practices. To look at who they are, how are they crafting the language when they look for a job, when they look at their leadership team, are there ways to further diversify it and when it comes to, gender, ethnicities, people who come from a rural area, urban. I mean, we all come with, from a diversity of perspectives and stories. I think a lot of it will come down to hiring practices and advancing this vision and with the individuals who are already working at those organizations to be more thoughtful and conscious about giving those who don't have a place at the table, a place and a voice at the table, giving everybody a chance. Because we have some amazingly talented and knowledgeable people who just traditionally in agriculture don't have families and generations who come from an ag background. But they do come with so much that they could offer. I would say that those are a couple of examples of that as well. And maybe, more discussion about policy is really needed on a larger level when it comes to farmers, when it comes to government leaders, when it comes to innovation leaders as well. And when it comes to educators and schools. I think the more the merrier when it comes to bringing folks at the table to open it up for discussion on solutions. I appreciate this. And, this idea of not just welcoming people so that they get in the door, but also creating change. Environments and spaces where people are actually welcomed once they're there. That it becomes a place where folks can be themselves and bring all of who they are to the work that they're doing. This is critical. Yes, absolutely. I want to touch upon that. My own story is I don't have an agricultural background myself. But when I first , landed in a place like Salinas, very much sort of an outsider because I'm not from there anyway, but also not in agriculture and then being a woman and being, you know, a Chinese American woman too, you know, I, I did feel that there was a challenge to kind of break into certain circles and to be welcome. Even despite my passion and enthusiasm, there was a little bit like, 'what is she? Why? Why? What? She, she doesn't know anything.' But I felt like it was the people who in the beginning, it was just a couple of people who were like, 'Hey, this is somebody who really wants to tell the story of what we're doing. Give her a chance.' You know, having advocates, frontline advocates made a huge difference. So that's what I'm hoping for, more frontline advocates. Amy, I want to pick up on a personal story out of this. I did my graduate training out at UC Davis, at University of California, Davis. And I worked on dairy policy, which I do not have a dairy background. And it was great to have a mentor who actually helped me. Who introduced me to a number of folks and working through extension and the California Department of Food and Ag. Folks made space for me, and they understood that I was interested in this particular policy and trying to understand what it meant. And I actually got to learn so much. It was because people just said, okay, we'll give you a try. And I did the best I could. I'm grateful for that. Creating these spaces is not hard. It's not impossible. It can be done. I'm really appreciative of your efforts to keep furthering that story. I love that story. And indeed Norbert it's like what you said, creating the space and even, even in the beginning and just having a couple of folks just to make space. And then I think the space is going to grow from there. I fully agree. I've got one last question for you. And it's, sort of related to the vision, but just also thinking long term. What impact do you hope your work will ultimately have on society. I hope that my work will create a bit of a shift ultimately. I mean, that's a rather large goal, but it's not just myself. As this project has grown and extended and expanded. It's really a joint team effort. I mean, along this journey, I've met folks who are mission aligned. And they also see the value in this, and they believe in something similar. Whether it be that they contribute their story, whether it be that they help write the stories, whether it be that they come be a guest speaker, and they share their career, and then they end up connecting with the younger person, every person counts in this. In making a shift. And it might take generations to completely have a paradigm shift, but I think that just moving the needle a bit is ultimately the goal, certainly. And in terms of the bigger picture of things, I'm hoping that it will continue to spark a discussion and ongoing conversation about the importance and the value of bringing different voices and people who traditionally were not given a space at the table when it comes to the food systems and agriculture. But who brings so much talent, so much to the table already. How we can make greater space for them as well, and how we can incorporate their talent and create a better food system for everybody. We all eat and we're looking at 10 billion people in 2050. So, looking at the people who are making those contributions and telling their stories and especially for those who traditionally have not had their voices told, I think is really, really important. I just keep the fire going, I guess. BIO Amy Wu is an award-winning writer for the women's Ag and Agtech movement. She is the creator and chief content director of From Farms to Incubators, a multimedia platform that uses documentary, video, photography, and the written word to tell the stories of women leaders and innovators in Agtech. It has a mission of highlighting women in food, farming, and farmtech, especially women of color. From Farms to Incubators includes a documentary and a book that spotlights women leaders in Ag and Agtech. The documentary and stories have been screened and presented at SXSW and Techonomy. The initiative was awarded grants from the International Center for Journalists and International Women's Media Foundation's Howard G. Buffett Fund. Amy was named on Worth magazine's “Groundbreakers 2020 list of 50 Women Changing the World” list. Since 2018 she has served as the communications manager at the Hudson Valley Farm Hub in Hurley NY where she runs the website, digital newsletter, and social media. Prior to starting From Farms to Incubators, Amy spent over two decades as an investigative reporter at media outlets including the USA Today Network where she reported on agriculture and Agtech for The Salinas Californian. She's also worked at Time magazine, The Deal and contributed to The New York Times, The Huffington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She earned her bachelor's degree in history from New York University, and master's degree in journalism from Columbia University.  

How discipline, focus, and commitment as D1 athlete set the stage to become the executive editor covering a trillion dollar industry…In this week's episode of "Bring More Joy to the Table," I sit down with my good friend, Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor of Nation's Restaurant News. We dive into Alicia's journey from lifeguard to leading journalist and the invaluable lessons she's learned along the way, including discipline, coach-ability, and the power of teamwork.She shares her insights on the current landscape of women in food service, the challenges of balancing tough breaking news with positive stories, and the importance of lifting up emerging brands. Plus, we discuss the need for more female representation in the industry, and how initiatives like NRN's Women in Food Service are making a huge difference.

About Lauren Chew:Lauren Chew dubs herself an 'accidental entrepreneur'. In 2018, she went completely vegan and had to rethink her whole diet - including her beloved sweet treats. In 2019, Lauren turned her side hustle into a full-fledged business when she crafted the first iteration of Love+Chew cookies in her tiny San Francisco apartment. The result: a delicious plant-based treat using minimal, wholesome ingredients. Today, Love+Chew cookies are on the shelves of over 2,000 stores, including Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, select Costco locations, and Amazon.What's most remarkable about Love+Chew is that since day one, Lauren has bootstrapped her business with zero outside funding or VC help. Coming from a business development and tech background working at companies like Tesla and Stem, Lauren manages all aspects of the Love+Chew business — from product development and marketing to sales and operations. In 2023, she managed to scale her business from 1M to 3M and is on track to bring in 5-6M this year.WebsiteInstagramSupport the Show.About Us - Women Who Brunch:Women Who Brunch is a food community and event series for women who love connecting, networking, and learning from each other over the most important meal of the week...BRUNCH! We're solving the problem of making adult friendships while doing cool stuff in the Hudson Vally, NY.Visit our website for updates on events, recipes, brunch spots, product reviews, and more or say hi on Instagram!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhobrunchWebsite: https://womenwhobrunch.com

Today, we revisit some of the amazing food and wine experts who have graced our show. It starts with Joanne Lee Molinaro, the Korean Vegan, who shares her journey blending Korean culture with veganism, emphasizing compassion and empathy in her recipes. Next, Allison Morris, a level-three sommelier, imparts some wine wisdom — like why you shouldn't trust the second-cheapest bottle on a menu. Then, “Top Chef” winner and host Kristen Kish joins, sharing her essential culinary tips (including a love for gummy candy!) and a hilarious “Top Chef” behind-the-scenes moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About Alexis deBoschnek: Alexis deBoschnek is a cookbook author, recipe developer, and food writer based in the Catskills. Her second cookbook, Nights & Weekends, will be published in August 2025.Alexis' WebsiteInstagramNewsletter: Side DishCookbook: To The Last BiteIn this week's episode you'll learn:The state of Food Media & what she has enjoyed most in her culinary career so far The Catskills - What are Alexis' favorite restaurants/chefs and local businessesOona Wines and becoming a Founding Partner thereCookbook writing process and her upcoming second cookbook, coming out in 2025---

Eleven years ago, Kerry Diamond launched Cherry Bombe, a magazine dedicated to raising a glass to women in and around the food world. Since then,  it's grown into a media empire that includes podcasts, conferences and a fan base known as The Bombe Squad. She joins The Bright Side to talk about doing things on her own terms and how she learned to listen to her gut.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Priyanka Naik:Priyanka Naik is a self-taught Indian vegan award-winning chef, Food Network champion, TV Host, Author of THE MODERN TIFFIN, columnist of "Ecokitchen" for The Washington Post, pop-up restaurateur and a TEDx Speaker! An avid traveler who's been to 43 countries, her globally inspired original recipes, with a focus on sustainability, have been featured on her blog Chef Priyanka, her domestic and global pop-ups, on TODAY Table - an NBC Peacock TV Show she co-hosts, are incorporated into her regular speaking appearances. She has garnered attention from 300,000+ followers and has been featured on ABC News Live, Business Insider, VICE, twice on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Forbes, GLAMOUR, one of America's 20 best chef's according to TODAY Show alongside Bobby Flay, Marcus Samuelson, Martha Stuart and more, 6X TODAY Show featured chef in Studio 1A, Bon Appétit Mini Series, CNN, GQ, The Beet, Well + Good, Medium, and more. Priyanka was the only vegan & South Asian chef among the 15 best creators in the food industry for FoodieCon at SOBE WFF! She is the first vegan & sustainable guest chef for the W Maldives in a one-of-a-kind "Go W-egan" activation. Priyanka has partnered with hundreds of brands globally, including TOYOTA, JUST Egg, Planet Oat, Coca-Cola, Amazon, Walmart and Spotify for brand campaigns. She is first-generation, Indian American, raised on Staten Island, New York, and has two elder sisters. Her Indian heritage is very important to her cooking style and lifestyle, so much so that she even learned her native language of Kannada before English and weaves in Indian elements throughout all of her original vegan cooking. She attributes her devotion to her Indian roots and passion for Indian food to her loving and supportive parents. WebsiteInstagramTikTokThe Modern Tiffin CookbookYoutubeSupport the Show.About Us - Women Who Brunch:Women Who Brunch is a food community and event series for women who love connecting, networking, and learning from each other over the most important meal of the week...BRUNCH! We're solving the problem of making adult friendships while doing cool stuff in the Hudson Vally, NY.Visit our website for updates on events, recipes, brunch spots, product reviews, and more or say hi on Instagram!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhobrunchWebsite: https://womenwhobrunch.com

About Junea Rocha & Brazi Bites:Junea Rocha is the Co-Founder and CMO of Brazi Bites, a leader in the frozen better-for-you, Latin-inspired food category. Rocha co-founded the brand in 2010, along with her husband, Cameron MacMullin. In a few short years Brazi Bites grew into a nationally distributed brand with a cult-like following after appearing on ABC's Shark Tank and being included twice on the Inc. 5000 list of “America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies.” Bringing a cherished Brazilian household staple, “Pão de Queijo,” AKA cheese bread, to the U.S. market without any experience in the food industry, Rocha grew Brazi Bites' annual revenue from zero to millions with distribution in over 17,000+ stores. Today, Rocha remains just as passionate and more excited than ever to continue Brazi Bites' growth, making its products a household staple in North America. She hopes to continue creating joyful moments for families everywhere by producing delicious, easy-to-make, naturally gluten-free foods that also guarantee to spread smiles.In this episode we cover:What's the origin of cheese bread in Brazil? Thoughts on the emerging CPG brand categories - the wave of cultural cuisine/products and the better-for-you category. Where is the category heading.The challenges with scaling, growing a company, and creating a category from scratch.Brand's desire to listen to its community in order to help guide innovation and inspire change. The Latino Entrepreneur Accelerator Program, and Junea's  dedication to supporting minority entrepreneurs through the LEAP program.Links: Brazi Bites WebsiteBrazi Bites InstagramBrazi Bites TikTokLEAP ProgramSupport the Show.About Us - Women Who Brunch:Women Who Brunch is a food community and event series for women who love connecting, networking, and learning from each other over the most important meal of the week...BRUNCH! We're solving the problem of making adult friendships while doing cool stuff in the Hudson Vally, NY.Visit our website for updates on events, recipes, brunch spots, product reviews, and more or say hi on Instagram!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhobrunchWebsite: https://womenwhobrunch.com

Join us on our podcast as we catch up with Dominique Charles of Plots & Pans and dive into her latest adventures. We fondly reminisce about her Louisiana upbringing, sharing cherished memories of bonding over tractor rides with her grandad. Dominique generously imparts valuable gardening advice tailored for enthusiasts gearing up for the season. And to add some flavor to the mix, she shares delectable recipes straight from her kitchen, along with her favorite garden delights (get ready for a garden party!). We spotlight the concept of homegrown, celebrating the incredible contributions of black women in food & agriculture, with a special tribute to Dominique's role model, B. Smith. Plus, join in the excitement as Dominique returns to the Today Show, sharing her gardening expertise with a wide audience. Tune in for an episode filled with laughter, inspiration, and a sprinkle of culinary delights!

Thank you for joining us for our Women in Food Business series, during which we'll be chatting with female food and beverage entrepreneurs in our community, learning about their unique challenges and experiences in this particular area of business. We're looking forward to hearing their stories and sharing them with you! Collider is passionate about sharing the stories of local entrepreneurs and small business owners! Today on the podcast we chat with Gina Marcucci, who, along with her business partner, is working toward opening a mead based business, Goldberry Common. Thanks for listening!

Thank you for joining us for our  Women in Food Business series, during which we'll be chatting with female food entrepreneurs in our community, learning about their unique challenges and experiences in this particular area of business. We're looking forward to hearing their stories and sharing them with you!  Collider is passionate about sharing the stories of local entrepreneurs and small business owners! Today on the podcast we chat with Tiffany Alexandria, a food photographer, blogger, artist and event planner. Let's get started!  Thanks for listening!

Thank you for joining us for our Women in Food Business series, during which we'll be chatting with female food entrepreneurs in our community, learning about their unique challenges and experiences in this particular area of business. We're looking forward to hearing their stories and sharing them with you! Collider is passionate about sharing the stories of local entrepreneurs and small business owners! Today on the podcast we chat with Kara Fish, a self taught baker and licensed cottage food producer who provides sweet treats through her custom catering and subscription service, Bites By Kara. Thanks for listening!

About Sharelle Klaus:As the visionary behind DRY, Sharelle Klaus has always had a passion for the culinary world and celebrating each part of a meal – including the beverages. After having four children and not being able to enjoy wine or cocktails with her meals, Klaus recognized the need for a refreshing, elevated, non-alcoholic option in the market that was worthy of pairing with a great meal. In 2005, Klaus crafted the first batches of DRY Soda in her home kitchen and officially launched DRY. For the last 19 years, Klaus has made it her mission to establish a culture of social drinking for everyone.Klaus brings nearly three decades of entrepreneurial, financial, and technology industry experience to her role as CEO at DRY. As an advocate for advancing the sober curious movement, she also spearheaded DRY's investment stake in Austin-based sober bar, Sans Bar, and co-authored a, “The Guide to Zero-Proof Cocktails,” in November 2020.InstagramDRY InstagramDRY WebsiteShow Notes: NEW Women Who Brunch (International Women's Day) Events - Tickets on Sale Here: https://womenwhobrunch.com/wwbeventcalendarSupport the showAbout Us - Women Who Brunch:Women Who Brunch is a food community and event series for women who love connecting, networking, and learning from each other over the most important meal of the week...BRUNCH! We're solving the problem of making adult friendships while doing cool stuff in the Hudson Vally, NY.Visit our website for updates on events, recipes, brunch spots, product reviews, and more or say hi on Instagram!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhobrunchWebsite: https://womenwhobrunch.com

Thank you for joining us for our Women in Food Business series, during which we'll be chatting with female food entrepreneurs in our community, learning about their unique challenges and experiences in this particular area of business. We're looking forward to hearing their stories and sharing them with you! Collider is passionate about sharing the stories of local entrepreneurs and small business owners! Today on the podcast we chat with Jennifer Lester, co-owner and manager of one of Rochester's favorite restaurants, Bleu Duck Kitchen, as well as Pato Azul in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

This show features two guests who are creating new culinary experiences in their respective Midwest communities and beyond. Meet Nikki Thompson Frazier, the founder of Sweet Encounter Bakery, which aims to create an inclusive dining experience for people with dietary restrictions. And, get to know Erin Carlman Weber, the founder, owner, and operator of All Together Now, a social gathering space in Chicago offering wine, cheese, and much more.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Eat Your Heartland Out by becoming a member!Eat Your Heartland Out is Powered by Simplecast.

About Sally: Sally Ekus is a Senior Literary Agent at JVNLA. She leads The Ekus Group, a boutique culinary and lifestyle division that in January 2024 merged with JVNLA after a long history between the two literary agencies. Sally represents a wide range of culinary, health, wellness, and lifestyle talent, from first-time cookbook authors to seasoned chefs, RDs, professional food writers and bloggers, and internet and YouTube personalities. From concept to contract, she has brokered over 300 book deals with top publishers including Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, and numerous indie publishers. To honor The Ekus Group's 40th anniversary in April 2022, she launched a self-paced online course called How to Write a Cookbook. Its bite-sized curriculum distills 4 decades of cookbook publishing knowledge into less than 3 hours.Show Notes & Mentions: Proposal Guidelines: https://ekusgroup.com/cookbookacademyHow to Write a Cookbook course (with 20% off code for listeners!)How to be a cookbook author FB groupOther Mentions on the Show:Publishers MarketplaceMama Teav's Hot Garlic Chili Crisp  Cookbooks:First Generation: Recipes from My Taiwanese-American HomePraisesong for the Kitchen GhostsWicked HealthyMeatheadSupport the showAbout Us - Women Who Brunch:Women Who Brunch is a food community and event series for women who love connecting, networking, and learning from each other over the most important meal of the week...BRUNCH! We're solving the problem of making adult friendships while doing cool stuff in the Hudson Vally, NY.Visit our website for updates on events, recipes, brunch spots, product reviews, and more or say hi on Instagram!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhobrunchWebsite: https://womenwhobrunch.com

Mary Ann Esposito is a legend. She is the star of Ciao Italia, a PBS show she produces in New Hampshire. Syndicated nationally for 31 years, it's the longest running cooking show in America. She has written over a dozen books focused on Italian regional cooking, and at 81, she still leads cooking tours to Italy. Fascinating, feisty, and down-to-earth, I just love her. Let's have a listen.Photo courtesy of John W. Hession.Let's Talk About Food is Powered by Simplecast.

One of the best experiences I had in a restaurant was when I sat at a table in Marylebone (London), decorated with floral cloths and comfy pillows. Nestling into my seat I was struck by beautiful spicy notes, warming ginger that mirrored the welcome from the maître d'. Perusing the menu, almost everything was a blend of cultures, cuisines and flavours. Dishes that are so unfamiliar, yet deserve to have a home. This restaurant and cooking style, which is proudly inauthentic, feels deeply authentic and full of love, and you can understand why when you learn about the experience of its founder, Ravinder Bhogal.Ravinder is a journalist, chef and restaurateur, who was born in Kenya to Indian parents. She's a monthly food columnist for the FT Weekend magazine and The Guardian's Feast magazine, a contributing editor at Harper's Bazaar, and regularly writes for The Observer Magazine and Vogue online. Basically one of the most influential women in food.Jikoni is one of my favourite restaurants and now ‘Comfort and Joy' (Ravinders 3rd book) is one of my new favourites too! It's one of those cookbooks to read, but also one that deserves to have its pages stained and spattered. Ravinder's commitment to lavish vegetables with the same joy and creativity you'd bring to a steak or a chop has resulted in a globally-inspired collection of recipes.There are fragrant and fortifying curries and stews including a mango and golden coin curry; hefty salads packed with fistfuls of good things such as heritage tomato salad with lime leaf dressing, ginger and chilli. Basically this is the kind of food I want to eat all the time. I ask Ravinder about how she conjures recipes and why cooking is the ultimate expression of love. I think you'll love this chat.

About Flourish Foods:Flourish Foods is a meal delivery company that delivers fully-prepared, high-protein meal plans throughout NYC to those wanting to optimize their egg health prior to egg freezing/IVF or trying to conceive. Founder, Lizzy Cooper:Lizzy Cooper is a New York City-based private chef. Before she started cooking professionally, she earned her Masters in Social Welfare from UCLA and worked for many years in Los Angeles as a social worker. But then in 2017 Lizzy started LA's first-ever avocado toast stand --AvocaToast by Lizzy--and very soon after was able to quit her full-time job to dedicate herself entirely to the company's growth. She started catering parties, influencer events, music and food festivals, and had farmer's market stand all across Los Angeles, and eventually started private cheffing. For the last several years Lizzy has cooked for celebrity clientele in Los Angeles and New York, and has also dabbled in freelance food styling and recipe development. After freezing her eggs last year and realizing after the fact that no doctor along the way ever mentioned the impact of nutrition on fertility, Lizzy thought up Flourish Foods-- a meal delivery company that delivers fully-prepared, high-protein meal plans throughout NYC to those wanting to optimize their egg health prior to egg freezing/IVF or trying to conceive. As part of her team, she has the amazing fertility-focused nutritionist Dara Godfrey of Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, who approves the menus she creates and whose expertise is invaluable.Registered Dietician, Dara Godfrey:Dara Godfrey is a registered dietitian in private practice in Manhattan. At Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA) of New York Dara supports patients' nutritional goals at every stage of infertility treatment and pregnancy, including pre-treatment health and weight loss, prenatal nutrition, and pregnancy nutrition during each trimester.Dara, a native of Toronto, graduated with a BS in Food & Nutrition at the University of Western Ontario and obtained her RD and Masters in Nutrition at NYU.Dara is a blog contributor for Body By Simone and RMA of New York, and has been featured in videos on such sites as Fertility Authority and CafeMom. She has also contributed to articles in The Daily News, Self Magazine, Cosmopolitan, HERS, and blogs such as Fitness NYC and The Sweat LifeFlourish Foods WebsiteFlourish Foods InstagramSupport the showAbout Us - Women Who Brunch:Women Who Brunch is a food community and event series for women who love connecting, networking, and learning from each other over the most important meal of the week...BRUNCH! We're solving the problem of making adult friendships while doing cool stuff in the Hudson Vally, NY.Visit our website for updates on events, recipes, brunch spots, product reviews, and more or say hi on Instagram!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhobrunchWebsite: https://womenwhobrunch.com

The pizza and artisan bread worlds inevitably found each other during the past two decades, and it's a marriage made in heaven. Now, we see a lot of cross-over as pizzerias are making their own breads and many bakeries are making great pizza.The common denominator in all of this is the Bread Bakers Guild of America, which serves as the networking repository of knowledge and training for everything related to the art and science of bread. The Guild is at the root of the improved quality in bread products across North America and beyond.In this enjoyable conversation, recorded at the Northeast Pizza and Pasta Expo in Atlantic City, Peter (a founding member of the Guild) meets with the Guild's Executive Director, Karen Bornarth, to catch up on the ever-evolving work and influence of the Guild, including the growing influence and opportunities for women in both bread and pizza.Click here for the video versions of Pizza Quest. If you count on HRN content, become a monthly sustaining donor at heritageradionetwork.org/donate.Pizza Quest is Powered by Simplecast.

Meet Leah Guadagnoli:Fancy Feast Supper Club is a creative dinner series organized by artist, chef, and homesteader Leah Guadagnoli. She brings people together through homegrown, globally inspired vegetarian meals prepared from her garden with passion, love, and a genuine curiosity for the overlapping flavors and techniques our expansive universe has to offer. Through extensive research and an ethically conscious appreciation of other cultures through food, her goal is to celebrate our commonalities and unique differences to form connections and better understand the world we share.Today's Episode You'll Learn:What is Fancy Feast Supper Club?Leah's background in art and as a self trained chef.How she incorporates art and food. Process in creating and planning these events/dinners.Her most memorable dinner.Leah's cookbook - recipe zine.Supper club dinners coming up.FFSC WebsiteInstagramSupport the showAbout Us - Women Who Brunch:Women Who Brunch is a food community and event series for women who love connecting, networking, and learning from each other over the most important meal of the week...BRUNCH! We're solving the problem of making adult friendships while doing cool stuff in the Hudson Vally, NY.Visit our website for updates on events, recipes, brunch spots, product reviews, and more or say hi on Instagram!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhobrunchWebsite: https://womenwhobrunch.com

What's the connection between hormonal health, nutrition, and our food system? Join Analisa in conversation with Haley Nicole, a women's health and fertility guide. Haley started her women's health coaching business, Root & Womb Collective , in 2019 after a long and challenging journey with hormonal birth control. This episode aims to demystify the complexities of hormonal health and inspire listeners to foster a deeper connection with their bodies. Join Analisa and Haley as they discuss the role of hormones in both men and women's health and how it connects to our food system.   What we cover: How hormones govern our body  Why hormones are deeply influenced by the food we eat The difference between male and female hormonal health  Eating to support your hormonal health  How eating disorders impact hormonal health Birth control's impact on hormonal health  Connect with Root & Womb Collective Want to connect with Haley? Subscribe to the Future Food newsletter to access her contact details and the episode transcript. You'll subscription will also power the production of more episodes like this. Get access now! About Analisa Winther Analisa Winther is an ecosystem developer, consultant, and coach in the agrifood industry. Analisa advises corporations on where to partner and invest in the agrifood space and coaches startup founders helping them to attract the right investors and create their career. Website: www.analisawinther.com Newsletter: www.analisawinther.substack.com Instagram: @analisa.winther Show Host: Analisa Winther Join the community This show is listener-supported. Your contribution directly enables more awesome content like this. You'll also get access to discounts, special events, and episode transcripts.

Emily Heintz:Emily launched Sèchey, in 2021, after her own journey discovering sophisticated alternatives to alcohol. A nod to the French word for dry, Sèchey is a modern bottle shop fueled by the societal shift in the way we celebrate without alcohol.An early ecommerce entrepreneur, Emily founded her first company in 2004. Since that transformative experience, Emily held a variety of roles as a merchant, store manager and retail sales executive. After a decade of helping global retailers respond to changing consumer behavior with technology, she decided to leverage her extensive experience in retail and ecommerce on her own concept.Website InstagramToday's Episode You'll Learn: The different categories in the non-alcoholic beverage space. Common function. beverage types and health benefits.Emily's favorite non-alcoholic beverage brands + functional products.Planning for guests that don't drink. Incorporating alcohol free + functional beverages into your home or bar cart.--How to Vote for me & Women Who Brunch for the Best of Hudson Valley 2024:Step 1: Visit Website at: https://bestof.hvmag.comStep 2: Sign In & RegisterStep 3: Start VotingStep 4: CategoriesPEOPLE: “Social Media Influencer”: Nicole Dillon (Women Who Brunch)“Entrepreneur”: Nicole Dillon (Women Who Brunch) BONUS CATEGORY: ARTS & LEISURE“LOCAL PODCAST”:  BRUNCH & LEARN PODCAST Support the showAbout Us - Women Who Brunch:Women Who Brunch is a food community and event series for women who love connecting, networking, and learning from each other over the most important meal of the week...BRUNCH! We're solving the problem of making adult friendships while doing cool stuff in the Hudson Vally, NY.Visit our website for updates on events, recipes, brunch spots, product reviews, and more or say hi on Instagram!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhobrunchWebsite: https://womenwhobrunch.com

Get to know two women with a connection to the Midwest who are both are blazing a trail in their own unique way. Mary Pellettieri, founder of Top Note Tonic, talks about her journey from being in the early wave of female craft beer brewers to founding her craft tonic and soda company in 2017. And, Elizabeth Poett discusses how her life on a cattle ranch inspired her to author a new cookbook. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Eat Your Heartland Out by becoming a member!Eat Your Heartland Out is Powered by Simplecast.

Meet Rachel Kishore: Rachel Kishore has a background in finance, technology, food, and nutrition. After earning her undergraduate degree in Food & Nutritional Sciences, she began work at a nutrition BioTech startup before transitioning into FinTech.Over the last 5 years, Rachel's work in finance has focused on women's advocacy. In recognition of her leadership and engagement, she was honored as a Yahoo Finance HERoes Top 100 Women Future Leaders and featured on the Nasdaq Tower on International Women's Day.Outside of work, Rachel is passionate about engaging in women's entrepreneurship and CPG organizations. She is the Founder of Empowered Economy, a community for female food founders, leaders, and innovators.Connect with Rachel & Empowered Economy here: Website: https://empoweredrachel.com/empowered-economy/aboutLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empowered-economyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredeconomy/Twitter: https://twitter.com/empowerdeconomySlack Community: tinyurl.com/join-the-empowered-economyResources mentioned in this episode: New Year, New SKU event: https://tinyurl.com/new-year-new-SKUThingTesting: https://thingtesting.com/PopUpGrocer: https://popupgrocer.com/GoodsMart: https://www.thegoodsmart.com/Crunchbase: https://www.crunchbase.com/GroundUp Nut Butter: https://grounduppdx.com/Sixteen Mill: https://www.sixteenmill.com/Anjali's Cup: https://www.anjaliscup.com/Knead Love Bakery: https://kneadlovebakerynyc.com/Seed & Mill: https://www.seedandmill.com/Matchaful: https://www.matchaful.com/Nu Market: https://numarket.co/Startup Field Guide: http://startupfieldguide.comSupport the showAbout Us - Women Who Brunch:Women Who Brunch is a food community and event series for women who love connecting, networking, and learning from each other over the most important meal of the week...BRUNCH! We're solving the problem of making adult friendships while doing cool stuff in the Hudson Vally, NY.Visit our website for updates on events, recipes, brunch spots, product reviews, and more or say hi on Instagram!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhobrunchWebsite: https://womenwhobrunch.com

Meet Tina Martinez:Tina has been professionally cooking since 2007 starting her career at restaurants in California and Washington DC before teaching culinary classes in Brooklyn. Then went on to assist some of the top food stylist in New York before beginning a 7 year stint at the Today Show where she styled food for the morning show. She now does recipe development, test and create video content for the Hearst Lifestyle Group, which includes Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Woman's Day and Prevention. When she's not at work cooking, you can find me at the local brewery, hiking in a National Park or enjoying an afternoon at the beach.Website: https://www.tinadegraff.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/the_saltgypsySupport the showAbout Us - Women Who Brunch:Women Who Brunch is a food community and event series for women who love connecting, networking, and learning from each other over the most important meal of the week...BRUNCH! We're solving the problem of making adult friendships while doing cool stuff in the Hudson Vally, NY.Visit our website for updates on events, recipes, brunch spots, product reviews, and more or say hi on Instagram!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhobrunchWebsite: https://womenwhobrunch.com

On "Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg," Dani speaks with Tope Fajingbesi, and agricultural and social impact entrepreneur, author, educator, and the Co-Owner of Dodo Farms in Maryland. They discuss the highly spiritual nature of agricultural work, how Dodo Farms is bridging the gap between Nigeria and the United States with the crops they grow, and Fajingbesi's plans to create space for women in food and agriculture to connect and build community.  While you're listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to “Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg” wherever you consume your podcasts.

Michelle Lawton is a food and wine lover and founder of joyfulplate, a food and beverage research and branding consultancy. She is a happy home cook to her “Irishman” (aka her partner, Michael) in New York City, where she enjoys brainstorming on bike rides in Central Park and the kitchen -- her happy places. Michelle holds an Advanced Wine Certificate from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and shares her wine, food, and travel experiences on Instagram @joyfulplate and joyfulplate.com/inspiration.  Michelle is passionate about community, volunteering with the West Side Campaign Against Hunger in New York City for 15 years and with Les Dames d'Escoffier NY, a nonprofit supporting aspiring professional women in food and beverage hospitality.  Our guest on episode 39, Michelle returned to The One Way Ticket Show, where she shared a new one way ticket – to a place of protected health and joy. She also shares her book, Moderating a Love Affair with Food: 10 Tips to Mindful Eating and Drinking.

Does the term Policy Advocate conjure up the image of a chef? Today we're speaking with Katherine Miller, Founding Executive Director of the Chef Action Network, and author of the book "At The Table, The Chef's Guide to Advocacy". Katherine formerly served as the Vice President of Impact at the James Beard Foundation and serves as an adjunct professor at the Culinary Institute of America. She's worked for 20 years at the intersection of policy, politics, and social impact, and says chefs have an important role to play in this space. Interview Summary   Chefs are more and more visible in this advocacy and policy space. I assume that they've been doing this for a long time, but you see more attention to it now, which is nice. Let's talk about sort of its fundamental concept of chefs being involved in the food system at this level. Why do you think chefs and other people in the restaurant industry are equipped to make the food system more just and sustainable?   I think that chefs are some of the greatest translators, right? Chefs, as we know them, are the people who cook us delicious meals or host us for events in our lives. But in reality they are taking the ingredients from the farmers and producers and fishermen and translating them to the plate to make them interesting and enjoyable for all of us, right? And the food system is incredibly complicated. It is deeply rooted. The root system overlaps and is incredibly complex. It's off-putting for people to think about how they might get involved in food policy or even understand the different controls on our food. Chefs can really help tell a better story, right? They can take the what's happening in the field and on the boats, and then they can put it on our plate, and they can help explain to us the stories behind all the food, how it's grown, the things that we should be interested in, the decisions that we should make differently. I think they're the ultimate translators and making the world a more delicious place.   That makes perfect sense! What inspired you to write your book, "At The Table"?   I've been working with the chef community for 10 years, first as a consultant and the founder of the Chef Action Network, and then working with the James Beard Foundation as the first vice president of advocacy and impact for the foundation. Then, after leaving the foundation, continued to work with organizations who are really interested in helping chefs step into policy arenas on things like healthy soils or food waste or medically-tailored meals. All those things are impacted by the policies that our state houses and our federal houses. And it's hard. The restaurant industry is enormous. There are 11 million or so restaurant employees. There are tens of thousands of people who are considered chefs or leaders in the kitchen, and we weren't going to reach them one Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change at a time. You know, when I left the foundation in 2020 at the sort of tail end of the first year of COVID, we had over 1000 people on the waiting list to get into the Chef's Bootcamp for Policy and Change. We knew we were on to something, but we didn't really have the capacity to expand at scale. So, you know the great thing about a book is it can reach many chefs, culinary students, restaurant workers, farmers. And that's the other thing - I think there's a sort of duality to this idea of chef. It's really anybody who's a food system leader, anybody who is really interested in how the policies control our food system. I'm very excited to have a book out because I wanted this message and the examples and the tips and tools to reach the biggest audience that it could.   Boy, it's nice to hear there's so much interest among chefs and work of this type. I'm interested in whether this kind of thing is finding its way into culinary education. You have a position at the Culinary Institute of America, highly visible place. Is this the sort of thing that's showing up in discussions in culinary schools and classes and the training people receive?   More and more. I really credit Robert Egger for so many things in life, the great food system advocate and co-founder of DC Central Kitchen. But Robert was one of the first to write an op-ed that was like, culinary education should include advocacy, right? Because in culinary schools all over the country and all over the world, we teach people about flavor, we teach people about dish composition, we teach people about cleaning their station, and being a good person on the line, right? But we don't teach them about sustainability and that concerted way, we don't teach them business school skills and we don't really teach them about policies that impact their business, their sourcing, the way they run their restaurants. So that is growing. I think it's also a benefit of this next generation of chefs and consumers even who are really leading with their values. They want to see people step into this arena. The Edelman Trust Survey, which comes out every year, shows that food systems and food communities are some of the most trusted networks in the world. These leaders of that community have sort of a right, but also an obligation to get involved. The thing I like about the book and the thing I love teaching is that it's easy to do. It's not as difficult as you think it is, but I really think that the students and the consumers are demanding a sort of values-based approach. We're going to see all of the culinary schools add at least one class, if not more, of this type of training, I think in the future.   Let's go a little bit deeper into the bootcamp. You've directed the James Beard Foundation's Chefs Bootcamp for Policy and Change. Can you describe what goes on at the camp, and how this has affected your view on the chef's role in the advocacy world?   The Chef's Bootcamp for Policy and Change was an idea that Chef Michel Nischan and a James Beard trustee by the name of Eric Kessler had the idea for way back in 2012. They found me because I am a experienced trainer and facilitator. I've worked all over the world with, whether it be land advocates in Nigeria, health experts in China, folks in Australia, democracy in Lebanon, and they approached me and they said, “Hey, we have this idea. Chefs are highly visible. They are celebrities in their own right and we want to help them better use their voice.” That first bootcamp took place in July of 2012. We trained the first 15 chef advocates, and the penny sort of dropped for me that this was a community who are sitting in every single street corner. They have visible storefronts in every single community in America. They are trusted not to kill us, right? They are trusted to deliver something delicious and an amazing experience. They are networked heavily through the producers, both within their region and their city, but also globally in terms of what they source and how they buy. They have an authentic connection to fans, right? The bootcamp, which still continues to this day, trains 15 to 20 advocates at a time. The training module is still the same it was with a few tweaks in 2012. We really put them through their paces on introducing them to this food system and the complications of the food system. They also did role plays and learned techniques on how to be a better advocate. So how to create a message, how to reach out to their networks, how to use their social media profiles to talk about advocacy. And also, how to deal with the sort of haters of the world who might be like, "Shut up and get back to the kitchen". So, a little bit of that. Then the other piece that is so important to the entire food movement is created community amongst themselves. Every bootcamp ends with a dinner cooked by the chefs, for the chefs together with what they source on the working agricultural farm that would take them to. That community then spills out and it grows and grows. So exponentially, you could grow from 15 to 150 to 1000. They take it with them, they teach their staff, they host their own bootcamps or programming in their own cities. So, the bootcamp is one piece of it, but it's really about giving people the tips and tools they need to be an advocate, and then creating community amongst the chefs themselves and also their staffs and their greater community, and really just putting them into the places where they can use their voice to make a difference.   You know, it sounds really exciting! So, you have talked us through the process of how this education and training on advocacy and policy takes place. But let's talk a little bit more about the issues. Let's just say the Chef's Bootcamp was happening today and we walked in and we could overhear the discussions. What would we hear people talking about? Would they be talking about how children can be educated about food, about sustainable food systems and regenerative agriculture? Would they be talking about? state law, federal policy? What kind of issues would be important to them today?   Today? The Farm Bill, right? Chefs do advocacy in three places really. They do it on the table, right, through what they source, how they market to their customers, the types of labor practices they have in their own restaurant, like that is a self a form of advocacy. They do it within their community. So, a lot of chefs will get involved with local feeding organizations, will get involved with school gardens, things that they can put their hands on and bring people into their restaurant or visit regularly. I see a lot of community interaction. Then there's the hard and long work of state and federal policy reform. We are not going to be able to just uproot our entire food system and throw it out the window. Policy reform is gradual. It takes time and it takes a concerted effort. So, throughout each bootcamp or throughout different programs that I do, say with the Natural Resources Defense Council or programs that are run through No Kid Hungry, where alumni of the bootcamp have really gone on to shine is this federal policy piece. If you walked into a bootcamp today, you'd probably be hearing information about the Farm Bill, the impact of the Farm Bill on local regional food systems, the impact of the Farm Bill on food as medicine programs and SNAP programs, and really looking for ways a chef or a food system advocate could use their voice effectively to make the case for greater funding, to protect funding, to really encourage more progressive policies.   That sounds good. You brought up the Farm Bill, so let's talk about that in a little more detail. The last Farm Bill was passed in 2018, so it needs to be passed again now and reauthorized. Vast amounts of money are at stake for this. You mentioned that chefs can advocate for protecting funds that have been used in the past for particular purposes, and also argue for new uses of funds. What would be some of the top priorities? You kind of alluded to several of these, but tell us a little bit more specifically about what the chefs might be fighting for.   The Farm Bill is our food bill. I think we don't say that often enough. I think when we look at how the Farm Bill is constructed, we are looking at programs that are everything from specialty crops, i.e., fruits and vegetables, to the Supplemental Nutrition Programs that help people in times of need to not go hungry, to food as medicine programs that help us reach vulnerable populations with more fruits and vegetables at farmer's markets or medically tailored meals in hospitals or in systems. The Farm Bill reaches into all of those things. One thing I like to say about chefs is they're not monolithic. They're not all running around saying this thing. They are well-informed narrators and translators of a complicated food system and encouraging people to pay more attention to things like the Farm Bill and more things like the political nature of our food system.   If we want in the long term to redirect subsidies to support more climate smart agriculture, or help us have local and resilient food systems, that's going to happen through the Farm Bill. I was just recently with a bunch of chefs who were on Capitol Hill talking about healthy soil and the need to incentivize farmers through a bill called the Cover Act to help them change growing practices so that their soils would be healthier, and they could do more regenerative agriculture techniques. In a few weeks, there will be folks here really advocating to protect SNAP benefits. I think as we see a growing partisan divide and the growing divide on how to spend government money, SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is always going to be a constant target of that.   There's a great anecdote in the book by chef Elle Simone, who talks very eloquently and proudly about the fact that at an early point in her life, she took SNAP benefits. She was broke, and she was financially insecure, and she needed help. She took those SNAP benefits at a time when she needed them, and they helped her complete her education and complete her path to the future. Now, she's a cookbook author and the first woman of color to be on America's Test Kitchen. She is a known celebrity chef around the country, and she wouldn't be there, she will always say, if it hadn't been for SNAP. So, somebody like Elle will come to Capitol Hill and tell that story to put a human face on a program that is often demonized by people who think there are other ways to spend money rather than make sure that people don't come hungry.   You know, there's a lot built into what you just said on lots of different levels. SNAP program, relationships with farmers, et cetera. Let's talk about farmers for a moment. I know that chefs have, of course, always had a strong relationship with farmers because that's where they secure what they serve in their restaurants, but it sounds like it's going beyond that. This alliance now is out there in the bigger policy arena around issues of regenerative agriculture and things like that. I'm assuming you've seen some interesting cases of farmers and the chef community coming together to argue for a common purpose.   Chefs and farmers are natural partners. There wouldn't be any food on our plates if there weren't for farmers. The types of food and the types of vegetables and meat, and even seafood, fishermen, the world, you wouldn't be able to put things on the plate without those humans. They produce amazing, delicious food, and they do it in ways that are better for the environment. It's nutritionally dense. So, they're a natural partnership, but they haven't always worked together. In part, because they had completely opposite schedules. The farmers are up at 5:00 AM and go to bed at 2:00 PM and you know, chefs are out until 5:00 AM, and at work, they haven't always been able to come together. But more intentionally, organizations are bringing them together. The Natural Resource Defense Council is working a lot with zero food print as a chef-led organization. Those two organizations are working in deep partnership to put chefs and farmers together regularly on Capitol Hill or in state houses, talking about things like the Cover Act, talking about regenerative agriculture, talking about the health that's contained in our soil and how that translates into healthier and more delicious food. They are natural partners, and I'm really excited that they seem to be coming together more on common issues that really are about putting healthy and delicious things in front of us all.   Well, it makes good sense that those kind of partnerships have evolved to where they are now. Let me ask you a final question. Well, let's just say I'm a chef and I meet you or people involved in this kind of sphere of work, and I'm thinking, boy, my life is pretty crazy. It's a high stress life, very long hours, lots of decisions to be made and people to supervise, and all kinds of stuff going on in these restaurants. How in the world would I have time to do anything like this? And then also, what are the actionable steps that such a chef might take to help create a better food system?   It's a great question, right? We're all really busy people. Everybody's calendar is full, whether it's kids or parents to take care of, whether it's jobs, whether it's volunteering, and we all look at our calendars, and we're like. How could I possibly fit one thing else in here? The number one tip I give chefs and anybody who really wants to be an advocate is you learn to say no first. You learn to look at what you care most about and decide that that is the thing that you are going to focus on. And all the rest of it, you're going to say no very politely to. So, in the beginning of work with chefs, I did an audit of dozens of restaurants and essentially chefs were being asked to donate on average about $50,000 each year to dozens of organizations in their local community and even nationally. When we think about that from a fundraising perspective, if you donated $50,000 to one organization, you would be a top donor to that organization. You would have a totally different relationship with them. I really encourage all of us, but especially the chef community, to take a deep look at the issue that drives you most, whether it's hunger, the environment, ending violence in our communities, mentorship, whatever it is. And really, one, pick that issue and prioritize that issue. Get to know the organizations and the experts that are already working in it, right? We all think that we're so smart and we must be the first people to have thought about X, Y, and Z, and you're not, right? There are lots of experts in the field, and there are now even experts in the field of chef advocacy. There are dozens of organizations actually in the appendix of my book that point you in the direction of different issues that you might want to get involved in. So, get to know the experts. And number three, take a baby step. Schedule an appointment with an organization, sign a petition, do some research. Just take a baby step into, okay, now I'm going to learn more. Now I'm going to do something. And it doesn't have to be a big thing. And then your advocacy will go from there. I'm a political activist at heart, and I want everybody to make sure that they're registered to vote, and vote because that is the ultimate form of advocacy and probably the biggest baby step that we can all take once we've picked an issue and become informed on that issue. There are other tips and tools in the book. I'm all about opening conversation, not closing conversation. So I really encourage people through the book and through some exercises in it to figure out their own narrative that opens conversation, their own set of questions that turns them into sort of active listeners and not lecturers. I think food certainly has enough judgment in it that it doesn't need advocates pointing fingers at each other, talking about how one's point of view is better than the others. It's really simple to get involved. The first step is say no. Pick the one issue that's most important to you. Do the work and get to know the issues and the experts. Take a baby step, register to vote, vote, and then you can grow from there.   Bio   Named an industry leader and “Fixer” by Grist magazine and called one of the most innovative women in food and beverage by Fortune and Food & Wine magazines, Katherine Miller was the founding executive director of the Chef Action Network and the former vice president of impact at the James Beard Foundation. She was the first food policy fellow at American University's Sine Institute of Policy and Politics and is a Distinguished Terker Fellow at George Washington University's School of Media and Public Affairs. Miller has built a 20-year career working at the intersections of policy, politics, and social impact. She develops and manages award-winning campaigns, trains activists around the world, and helps deliver millions of supporters – and hundreds of millions in funding – to efforts focused on global health, climate change, gender bias and violence, and food system reform. She is a member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS) and serves on the Board of Directors of both the New Venture Fund and Re:Her DC. Miller is an adjunct professor at the Culinary Institute of America. She lives in Washington DC, on the land of the Anacostan and Nacotchtank people, with her husband, Lou, and their cat, Lily.

About Sajani & Kola Goodies:Sajani Amarasiri , an immigrant female founder is on a mission to create a more culturally representative and equitable wellness industry, bringing together the best of her roots in Sri Lanka and life in America. Sajani was born and raised in Sri Lanka and came to the US at 18 for college, then worked in building tech supply chains at Microsoft and Amazon. She leveraged that experience with her unique insights to her culture to create the first wellness company to directly source from, and give back to the communities today's trendy ingredients and rituals originate from. Kola Goodies creates wellness goodies made of potent botanicals, directly sourced from small farmer collectives in South Asia, to meet today's wellness needs. Their tea lattes have recently won awards for their delicious taste and texture, while providing long-lasting, jitter-free energy - a great alternative to coffee!Website: https://www.kolagoodies.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolagoodiesSupport the showAbout Us - Women Who Brunch:Women Who Brunch is a food community and event series for women who love connecting, networking, and learning from each other over the most important meal of the week...BRUNCH! We're solving the problem of making adult friendships while doing cool stuff in the Hudson Vally, NY.Visit our website for updates on events, recipes, brunch spots, product reviews, and more or say hi on Instagram!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhobrunchWebsite: https://womenwhobrunch.com

#27. In this episode, we are joined by Kerry Diamond, a remarkable individual with a lifelong passion for journalism and amplifying the voices of women in the food industry. From her humble beginnings in third-grade journalism, Kerry has evolved into an influential figure in the food media landscape.As the founder and Editor-In-Chief of Cherry Bombe, Kerry has transformed her vision into a dynamic reality. Initially, Cherry Bombe was a print-only magazine, dedicated to shedding light on the often overlooked contributions of women in food. Over the years, it has grown into a multifaceted platform encompassing events, conferences, podcasts, cookbooks, and a robust social media presence.Kerry has had a diverse and intriguing career path. She began her journey at Spin Magazine and interned alongside the renowned punk rock journalist, Legs McNeil. Later on, she delved into the world of fashion journalism, working with publications like Harper's Bazaar and Lancome. She went on to open a restaurant cafe in Brooklyn, which ultimately fueled her mission to bridge the gender disparity in food industry narratives.In this conversation, Kerry and Josh Sharkey delve into the nuances of brand building, the pivotal advice she received from Danny Meyer, and the exciting future of Cherry Bombe. Where to find Kerry Diamond: InstagramLinkedInThreadsWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInIn this episode, we cover:(05:17) The beginning of Kerry's Journalism career (07:00) How Kerry came to work for Legs McNeil(12:10) The impact of the Punk Rock scene on Cherry Bombe(14:19) The story of how Cherry Bombe began(18:11) The impact Lucky Peach had on Cherry Bombe's beginnings(15:48) The goals of All in the Industry Podcast(22:52) How Cherry Bome's Mission has evolved(25:24) Current issues women still face in the restaurant industry(25:43) How Shari collaborated with chefs around the world(31:11) Danny Meyer's words of advice to Kerry(35:05)James Beard Awards and Pellegrino 50 Best(31:29) Cherry Bombe's focus on fundraising(35:05) Jubilee conference(41:35) White space in the community(45:03) meez elevator pitch(46:53) Cherry Bombe podcasts(55:51) Nuances of brand building(58:40) The future of Cherry Bombe

We have a very special guest making her Radio Cherry Bombe debut today. It's our CEO, Kate Miller Spencer. Kate is a mom, a fervent supporter of women in the food world, and a longtime media pro who has worked at a number of legacy publications and organizations, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, New York Magazine, and Vox Media.Kate joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about life on the business side of food media, championing women in food, and plans for Cherry Bombe's future. Kate and Kerry also talk about why Cherry Bombe is fundraising after a decade of being bootstrapped and what their community round on Wefunder is all about. Learn more about Cherry Bombe's Wefunder campaign here. OFFICIAL DISCLOSUREWe are 'testing the waters' to gauge investor interest in an offering under Regulation Crowdfunding. No money or other consideration is being solicited. If sent, it will not be accepted. No offer to buy securities will be accepted. No part of the purchase price will be received until a Form C is filed and only through Wefunder's platform. Any indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind.Hosted by Kerry DiamondProduced by Catherine Baker and Jenna SadhuEdited by Jenna SadhuMusic by Tralala, “All Fired Up”Radio Cherry Bombe is a production of The Cherry Bombe Podcast Network. Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here. More on Kate: Instagram, Cherry Bombe, website

 About Dam Good™ English Muffins:Dam Good™ English Muffins is a woman-owned, family-operated, mission-driven wholesale bakery that has been in business since 2017 - we  make 4 varieties of all natural, preservative-free, vegan sourdough English muffins: “Original White,” “Multigrain,” “Cinnamon Swirl,” and “Whole Wheat.” We started with a New York State home processing license, and were baking out of our home in Croton. We have since moved our business to Peekskill, NY.Website: https://www.damgoodenglishmuffins.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/damgoodenglishmuffinsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/damgoodenglishmuffinsSupport the showAbout Us - Women Who Brunch:Women Who Brunch is a food community and event series for women who love connecting, networking, and learning from each other over the most important meal of the week...BRUNCH! We're solving the problem of making adult friendships while doing cool stuff in the Hudson Vally, NY.Visit our website for updates on events, recipes, brunch spots, product reviews, and more or say hi on Instagram!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhobrunchWebsite: https://womenwhobrunch.com

About Lindsay:As the CEO of Simek's, Lindsey Hickey is on a mission to make mealtime a better time for all.Hickey joined Simek's in 2008 and became Co-Owner & President in 2010 to firmly established the company as a second-generation family-owned and certified women- owned organization.Under Lindsey's leadership, Simek's has grown from a local frozen food company to the fastest growing frozen lasagna brand and meatball brand in the US, while helping millions of people along the way. Lindsey has fortified strategic partnerships with key retail industry leaders, launched innovative new items, expanded distribution into new markets, donated millions of meals, and removed ocean-bound plastic from the environment. Her mission is to create a guilt-free mealtime with convenient foods that are crafted with quality ingredients and homemade taste, that also make an impact in our community, country and world. With her passionate expertise, Lindsey led the Simek's team to increase sales by 148% in 2022 as compared to 2021.Lindsey believes in using business as a force of good and proudly led the organization through their B Corporation certification in 2022, making Simek's the only women-owned frozen food brand in the US with this certification. She also led the launch of impact partnerships with Feeding America® and RePurpose, where every product purchased donates a meal locally and removes the same amount of plastic from the environment as used in the packaging and shipping of that product. In 2022, Simek's donated over 2.8 million meals and removed the equivalent of 26.3 million plastic bags from the environment, furthering their mission to provide great food for the greater good.Lindsey has been recognized for her outstanding leadership numerous times. In 2018, she was a Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal 40 under 40 recipient. Lindsey was recognized in 2023 with the Frozen & Refrigerated Women Achieving Remarkable Distinction (FORWARD) Award. She has also been featured in many national news articles, including Forbes.com and Frozen & Refrigerated Buyer, as well as local News channel's TV segments and articles, for her achievements at Simek's.Website: https://simeks.comInstagram: instagram.com/simeksFacebook: facebook.com/simeksfoodsSupport the showAbout Us - Women Who Brunch:Women Who Brunch is a food community and event series for women who love connecting, networking, and learning from each other over the most important meal of the week...BRUNCH! We're solving the problem of making adult friendships while doing cool stuff in the Hudson Vally, NY.Visit our website for updates on events, recipes, brunch spots, product reviews, and more or say hi on Instagram!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhobrunchWebsite: https://womenwhobrunch.com

Laura Sorkin is a farmer, writer and sugar maker who lives in northwest Vermont with her husband and two children. She has a BA from McGill University and a Masters of Environmental Management from Duke. She also graduated from the French Culinary Institute (now the International Culinary Institute) in New York City and worked for several restaurants there. She is the author of Vegetables: The Ultimate Guide, and is currently working on a book about gardening for beginners. She is the co-owner of Runamok which produces maple and honey products and works with the marketing team there.In this Episode: The Maple syrup process and what the different grades mean.Runamok product line and the partners they work with in regards to maple and honey producers.View on agriculture changing or effecting farms or producers.What does the R&D process look like when creating new flavors or product lines.Website: https://runamokmaple.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/runamokmapleSupport the showAbout Us - Women Who Brunch:Women Who Brunch is a food community and event series for women who love connecting, networking, and learning from each other over the most important meal of the week...BRUNCH! We're solving the problem of making adult friendships while doing cool stuff in the Hudson Vally, NY.Visit our website for updates on events, recipes, brunch spots, product reviews, and more or say hi on Instagram!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhobrunchWebsite: https://womenwhobrunch.com

Listen to this new episode with Diana Fryc as she discusses with Vicki the topic of women in leadership and how they are making a real difference in a company's bottom line. Learn more about creating visibility for women, particularly women of color in the food and beverage industry and why it is so important. Ever wonder why there are not more women in food and beverage leadership roles? You will want to check out his episode to hear what Diana has to say about that.

What began as a labor of love for documentarian and former journalist Joanna James--making the documentary A Fine Line, about her mother Val--turned into an organization, MAPP, that supports women in food organizations through mentorship and advocacy. After a recent kick-off event for their coast-to-coast programming and events for 2023 at New York City's Union Square Cafe, Joanna, Val, and three MAPP ambassadors/board members--Mo Carter, Amanda Mack, and Georgeann Leaming--gathered to discuss the organization's genesis, its multi-pronged approach to a variety of challenges that women in the industry continue to confront today, and share a few personal success stories facilitated by MAPP. Visit MAPP's website.Learn about the Conference in Miami, Florida (May 1, 2023).Follow MAPP on Instagram and/or follow A Fine Line.Listen to Joanna's conversation with Andrew from 2020.Andrew's next book The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food is now available for preorder! Please consider purchasing your copy/copies in advance and help the book have a great lift-off.Andrew Talks to Chefs is a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news.